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5G NR Overview and Physical Layer

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Key 5G/5G-Advanced Physical Layer Technologies

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Abstract

This text deals primarily with the physical layer. However, to better understand its operation, it is helpful to study its surrounding architecture and protocols. To this end, we first review in this chapter the main architecture options for connection to the core network, followed by the Radio Access Network (RAN) protocol architecture. The RAN is responsible for all radio-related functions, such as coding, modulation, HARQ operation, physical transmission, and scheduling. Following this, we narrow our study within the RAN to the physical layer as specified in 3GPP Release 15, the first 5G release. Here, emphasis is on how physical channels are structured, be they user data or control data conveying, as well as how physical signals are created, such signals being those originating solely in the physical layer. Procedures such as initial access, scheduling, and uplink power and timing control are introduced. How maximum user data rates and low latency are achieved is demonstrated, 5G operating frequency spectrum reviewed, and some typical base station and UE parameters presented. Next, we address certain key features and enhancements introduced in Release 16, Release 17, and Release 18 (5G-Advanced), as well as some planned for Release 19. Finally, relevant 3GPP specifications are listed.

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wireless Communications Consultant, San Mateo, CA, USA

    Douglas H. Morais

Authors
  1. Douglas H. Morais
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Problems

Problems

  1. 10.1.

    Sketch the simplified 5G architecture that shows (a) the 5G core (5GC), (b) a gNB broken down into a central unit (CU), a physically separated distributed unit-baseband (DU-BB), and a physically separated radio unit (RU), and (c) a UE. Indicate on the sketch the NG interface, the F1 interface, the option 7 split, the Uu interface and the location of backhaul, midhaul, and front haul transport.

  2. 10.2.

    In the 5G frame structure:

    1. (a)

      What is the frame duration?

    2. (b)

      What is the subframe duration?

    3. (c)

      Each subframe is divided into slots. Each slot normally contains how many OFDM symbols?

    4. (d)

      For subcarrier spacings of 15, 30, 60, and 120 kHz, how many slots are there per subframe?

    5. (e)

      For subcarrier spacings of 15, 30, 60, and 120 kHz, what’s the duration per slot?

  3. 10.3.

    Regarding spectrum for FR:

    1. (a)

      What is the range covered by FR1?

    2. (b)

      What subrange of FR1 is likely for unlicensed operation?

    3. (c)

      What is the subrange covered by FR2-1?

    4. (d)

      What is the subrange covered by FR2-2?

    5. (e)

      What is the maximum channel bandwidth permitted in all FR2-1 bands?

  4. 10.4.

    An NR base station is communicating in the DL with a UE in the FR2-1 range. Two-channel carrier aggregation is employed.

    • On one channel, Ch. 1, subcarrier spacing is 120 kHz; thus, the numerology μ equals 3. The assigned channel bandwidth is 400 MHz and the maximum RB allocation is 264. The highest order modulation supported is 64-QAM. The number of MIMO layers ν used is 4.

    • On the other channel, Ch. 2, subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz; thus, the numerology μ equals 2. The assigned channel bandwidth is 100 MHz and the maximum RB allocation is 132. The highest order modulation supported is 256-QAM. The number of MIMO layers ν used is 8.

    • For both channels, the scaling factor f is 1.

    • What is the maximum DL data rate achievable?

  5. 10.5.

    In sidelink communication:

    1. (a)

      What are the three basic transmission scenarios supported?

    2. (b)

      For the unicast transmission scenario, what are the three deployment scenarios?

    3. (c)

      To facilitate sidelink communication, what four new physical channels have been defined by 3GPP in release 16?

  6. 10.6.

    To aid in UE positioning, what new signals have been defined by 3GPP in release 16?

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Morais, D.H. (2024). 5G NR Overview and Physical Layer. In: Key 5G/5G-Advanced Physical Layer Technologies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57426-9_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57426-9_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-57425-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-57426-9

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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